RUN BARBADOS IS BACK!
-new location, same fun-
The biggest sporting event in the Caribbean has returned! Run Barbados 2022 will take place December 10th-11th 2022 on the beautiful and iconic East Coast.
This year’s event will feature new coastal routes that offer spectacular views, cool ocean breezes and the opportunity to run in a rustic part of the island. With the breath-takingly beautiful view of the ocean to one side and the hilly, green pastures to the other, runners will get the best of both worlds as they compete in this year’s event. This, coupled with the increase in entertainment and music placed along these new routes, ensures that competitors will have a great time this year.
Speaking during yesterday’s press conference, Zary Evelyn, Race Director, revealed that this year’s event will be bigger and better than previous editions.
“This year, we are moving to the East Coast and this has been well-received so far by runners locally and internationally. We hope that this will also continue to boost participation as registration continues,” he said.
“This move to Bathsheba means less concern from runners about running with cars and buses on the road.”
Additional changes include moving the 5K Walk and Hike along the spectacular and rugged trail from Bathsheba to Glenburie, St. John.
Evelyn added that winners of the marathons in the Women’s and Men’s Division will receive an attractive prize money with return airfare and hotel accommodation.
Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc’s (BTMI) Director of Caribbean, Latin America and Sports, Corey Garrett, highlighted that they were excited for the return of the event after the two-year pause.
“The event has attracted international attention, once again showcasing Barbados’ ability to compete on the international scene. In the region, Barbados can be considered an award-winning destination experience and so we are looking forward to hosting a great event,” Garrett said.
Fresh looks
This year the Run Barbados logo has been refreshed to reflect the new and improved event that BTMI plans to offer this year.
The medal design this year has also been redesigned and take the scenery and environment to reflect the real uniqueness of the East Coast. It will be a token of destination Barbados and the BTMI and Run Barbados are especially proud to showcase them this year.
Market activities
As BTMI continues to raise the standard of the event, Director Garrett revealed that relevant source markets based in the US, Canada, UK, Europe and the Caribbean, Latin America, continue to promote the event and have launched initiatives to further propel Run Barbados in the various source markets.
BTMI will be hosting ESPN Run and ESPN Women franchises on island, during the Run Barbados Weekend, and they will be capturing the races and speaking to some of the local sportsmen and women who have been excelling on the international scene this year.
Corporate Call
“We are continuing to work to develop the island that is not only for leisure or romance tourists but also an island that is known for sporting tourism. We have taken on a model this year to gain sponsorship acquisition with the private sector here in Barbados and on the international spiel,” said Corey Garrett, Director, Caribbean, Latin America, sports, BTMI.
“We are happy to announce that we have brought on local sponsorship consultant, Richard Haynes of South Central Entertainment and his sole purpose is to recruit sponsorship locally for the event. We are happy to announce that we have partnered with Eco Sky Barbados, Gildan, RBC and Chefette Frosteez.”
“This year, all shirts used for this year’s event have been graciously donated by Gildan and we thank them for this generous donation.”
Run Barbados is inviting corporate Barbados to partner with them as they continue to raise the standard of the event and further invest in the sporting industry of the island.
Strategic partnerships
The partnership with Marathonfoto was also announced. This is an international photography company that specialises in sports events and this year, the company will bring a professional crew to the island to take photos of the events at different stages, but what is most exciting is that they are looking to train a small cohort of local photographers.
Director Corey Garrett revealed that five or six local photographers will be chosen through the BTMI’s vetting and outreach programmes, and will be given the opportunity to train with this prestigious company.
Run Barbados is also teaming up with Sports Stats. They will be the official timing company for the event.
“They have worked with us in the past as well and they have all the gadgets to make sure timing is accurate and timing is posted almost instantly. They will make sure we have an internationally standard event,” said Zary Evelyn.
Scheduled events
Saturday, 10th, 2022 -5K and 10K Races; 5K Walk and Hike
Sunday, December, 11th, 2022 – Half Marathon and Marathon Races, 3K and 7K Races and 5K Walk and Hike
Event #1: 5k Walk / Hike on Sat. 10th and Sun. 11th.
Event #2: 5km Run on Saturday Dec. 10th at 4.20pm
Event #3: 10km Run on Saturday Dec. 10th at 4.15pm
Event #4: Half Marathon on Sunday Dec. 11th at 5.30am
Event #5: Full Marathon on Sunday Dec. 11th at 5.30am
Event #6: 3k Run on Sunday Dec. 11th at 6am
Event #7: 7k Run on Sunday Dec. 11th at 6am
